Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The University of Edinburgh - School of Population Health Sciences - USHER Institute - Edinburgh Bioquarter

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term contract:  available from 1stJune 2026 to 31stMarch 2031

The opportunity:

Medicine without Doctors is a six-year Wellcome-funded project exploring the changing authority of medical practices through four case studies: artificial intelligence, LGBTQ+ health, abortion care and the physician associate. The project is underpinned by two theoretical pillars: the sociology of care and the philosophy of voice. To do this work, the project brings together a multidisciplinary and sector-spanning team of investigators, from philosophy, socio-legal studies, STS, history, sociology and design, with the aim of creating new, interdisciplinary knowledge. In this project, we are also excited to develop and draw on play methodologies collaboratively.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to undertake socio-legal work in relation to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) component of the project. In collaboration with Dr Nayha Sethi (line manager), the postholder will be responsible for developing and undertaking their own long-term (approx. 55 month) empirical socio-legal project on the AI Case Study. This project will also need to align with the Medicine without Doctors wider vision, including a focus on project themes care and voice, and creative methodologies.

This post will require Level 2 Disclosure to be secured before the start date.

More information about Medicine without Doctors can be found here.

Where discovery never stops. Be part of something bigger.

A unique employer in a vibrant city

The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We are a large University covering a wide range of activities. In Professional Services, we support the University’s research and teaching, offering many career and role specialisms

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Leading-edge research
• Interesting work
• Variety every day

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns.